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◄ Numbers 32:6►

New International Version
Moses said to the Gadites and Reubenites, “Should your fellow Israelites go to war while you sit here?

New Living Translation
“Do you intend to stay here while your brothers go across and do all the fighting?” Moses asked the men of Gad and Reuben.

English Standard Version
But Moses said to the people of Gad and to the people of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to the war while you sit here?

Berean Standard Bible
But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?

King James Bible
And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?

New King James Version
And Moses said to the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben: “Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here?

New American Standard Bible
But Moses said to the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben, “Should your brothers go to war while you remain here?

NASB 1995
But Moses said to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to war while you yourselves sit here?

NASB 1977
But Moses said to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to war while you yourselves sit here?

Legacy Standard Bible
But Moses said to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to war while you yourselves sit here?

Amplified Bible
But Moses said to the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?

Christian Standard Bible
But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites, “Should your brothers go to war while you stay here?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites, “Should your brothers go to war while you stay here?

American Standard Version
And Moses said unto the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to the war, and shall ye sit here?

Contemporary English Version
Moses answered: You mean you'd stay here while the rest of the Israelites go into battle?

English Revised Version
And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to the war, and shall ye sit here?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Moses asked the tribes of Gad and Reuben, "Are you going to stay here while the rest of the Israelites go to war?

Good News Translation
Moses replied, "Do you want to stay here while the other Israelites go to war?

International Standard Version
"Will your relatives have to go to war while you remain here?" Moses asked the descendants of Gad and descendants of Reuben in response.

NET Bible
Moses said to the Gadites and the Reubenites, "Must your brothers go to war while you remain here?

New Heart English Bible
Moses said to the people of Gad, and to the people of Reuben, "Shall your brothers go to the war, and shall you sit here?

Webster's Bible Translation
And Moses said to the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?

World English Bible
Moses said to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Moses says to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Reuben, “Do your brothers go to the battle, and you—do you sit here?

Young's Literal Translation
And Moses saith to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Reuben, 'Do your brethren go in to the battle, and ye -- do ye sit here?

Smith's Literal Translation
And Moses will say to the sons of Gad And to the sons of Reuben, Shall your brethren go forth to battle, and will ye sit here?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Moses answered them: What, shall your brethren go to fight, and will you sit here?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Moses answered them: “Should your brothers go to battle, while you sit here?

New American Bible
But Moses answered the Gadites and Reubenites: “Are your kindred, then, to go to war, while you remain here?

New Revised Standard Version
But Moses said to the Gadites and to the Reubenites, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Moses said to the children of Reuben and to the children of Gad, Shall your brethren go to war, while you settle here?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Moshe said to the children of Rubil and to the children of Gad, “Your brethren are going out for battle and you are dwelling here?

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben: 'Shall your brethren go to the war, and shall ye sit here?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Moses said to the sons of Gad and the sons of Ruben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Tribes East of the Jordan
…5“If we have found favor in your sight,” they said, “let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan.”6But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites,“Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?7Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that the LORD has given them?…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Joshua 1:14-15
Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them, / until the LORD gives them rest as He has done for you, and your brothers also possess the land that the LORD your God is giving them. Then you may return to the land of your inheritance and take possession of that which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the east side of the Jordan.”

Deuteronomy 3:18-20
At that time I commanded you: “The LORD your God has given you this land to possess. All your men of valor are to cross over, armed for battle, ahead of your brothers, the Israelites. / But your wives, your children, and your livestock—I know that you have much livestock—may remain in the cities I have given you, / until the LORD gives rest to your brothers as He has to you, and they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them across the Jordan. Then each of you may return to the possession I have given you.”

Joshua 22:1-4
Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh / and told them, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. / All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God. ...

Judges 5:23
‘Curse Meroz,’ says the angel of the LORD. ‘Bitterly curse her inhabitants; for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.’

1 Samuel 30:24
Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.”

1 Chronicles 12:38
All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king.

2 Samuel 10:12
Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

Nehemiah 4:14
After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Galatians 6:2
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Philippians 2:4
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Romans 15:1
We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

1 Corinthians 12:25-26
so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. / If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. / Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...

Treasury of Scripture

And Moses said to the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brothers go to war, and shall you sit here?

shall ye sit here

2 Samuel 11:11
And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife?as thou livest, andas thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.

1 Corinthians 13:5
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Philippians 2:4
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

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Numbers 32

1.The Reubenites and Gadites ask for inheritance on the east side of Jordan
6.Moses reproves them
16.They offer him conditions with which he is content
33.Moses assigns them the land
39.They conquer it.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites
Moses, the leader of the Israelites, addresses the tribes of Gad and Reuben. These tribes had large herds and saw the land of Jazer and Gilead as suitable for their livestock. This request to settle east of the Jordan River rather than crossing into the Promised Land reflects a potential division among the tribes. The Gadites and Reubenites' request is significant as it challenges the unity and collective mission of the Israelites. Historically, this moment underscores the importance of communal responsibility and the potential for internal conflict within the Israelite community.

“Shall your brothers go to war
The term "brothers" emphasizes the familial bond among the tribes of Israel, highlighting the expectation of mutual support and shared responsibility. The Israelites were preparing to enter Canaan, a land promised to them by God, which required military conquest. This phrase underscores the expectation that all tribes would participate in the battles necessary to claim the land. The concept of collective effort in warfare is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience and unity are crucial for success.

while you sit here?
Moses questions the fairness and justice of the Gadites and Reubenites' desire to remain behind while their fellow Israelites engage in battle. This phrase challenges the tribes' commitment to the collective mission and raises issues of duty and solidarity. The idea of "sitting" implies inactivity and a lack of contribution to the common cause. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of active participation in God's plans and the dangers of complacency. It also foreshadows the need for accountability and the potential consequences of failing to support the community, as seen in other biblical narratives where unity and cooperation are essential for achieving God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is addressing the tribes of Gad and Reuben.

2.Gadites and Reubenites
These are the members of the tribes of Gad and Reuben. They requested to settle in the land of Jazer and Gilead, which they found suitable for their livestock, instead of crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land with the rest of the Israelites.

3.The Promised Land
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites are on the verge of entering this land after their exodus from Egypt and years of wandering in the wilderness.

4.The Jordan River
A significant geographical boundary that the Israelites must cross to enter the Promised Land.

5.The Wilderness Journey
The period of 40 years during which the Israelites wandered in the desert after their exodus from Egypt, due to their disobedience and lack of faith.

Teaching Points

Unity and Collective Responsibility
The question posed by Moses underscores the importance of unity and shared responsibility among God's people. Just as the tribes of Gad and Reuben were reminded of their duty to support their brethren, Christians today are called to support one another in spiritual battles and communal endeavors.

Avoiding Complacency
The request of the Gadites and Reubenites to settle before reaching the Promised Land serves as a warning against complacency. Believers must remain vigilant and committed to God's mission, not settling for comfort at the expense of God's greater plan.

Faithfulness in God's Promises
The tribes' desire to settle outside the Promised Land challenges us to trust fully in God's promises and timing. We must resist the temptation to rely on our understanding and instead follow God's direction.

The Role of Leadership
Moses' response highlights the role of godly leadership in guiding and correcting the community. Leaders are tasked with ensuring that the community remains focused on God's purposes and united in their efforts.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Numbers 32:6?

2.How does Numbers 32:6 challenge us to support fellow believers in need?

3.What does Moses' question reveal about unity and responsibility within God's people?

4.How can Numbers 32:6 inspire us to avoid selfishness in our communities?

5.Connect Numbers 32:6 with Galatians 6:2 on bearing each other's burdens.

6.How can we apply Moses' concern for shared duty in our church today?

7.Why did Moses question the Reubenites and Gadites' decision in Numbers 32:6?

8.How does Numbers 32:6 reflect on communal responsibility in faith?

9.What historical context influenced Moses' response in Numbers 32:6?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 32?

11.What is the significance of the Tribe of Reuben?

12.Numbers 32:23: Are there any historical or archaeological records that corroborate Moses' warnings about sin and its consequences for these tribes?

13.Numbers 20:8-11 - Why does this passage seem inconsistent with Exodus 17:6 regarding the instructions God gives Moses for drawing water from a rock?

14.Numbers 32:1-5: How could the tribes of Reuben and Gad realistically sustain such large herds in a desert environment with limited resources?

What Does Numbers 32:6 Mean

But Moses asked

Moses, the God-appointed leader (Numbers 12:7;Deuteronomy 34:10-12), does not remain silent when confronted with a proposal that could threaten Israel’s unity. His question models responsible spiritual oversight, echoing earlier moments when he stepped in to correct or clarify (Exodus 32:21;Numbers 27:5). Leadership, under God’s authority, must address anything that jeopardizes the covenant community’s obedience (Deuteronomy 31:24-27).

the Gadites and Reubenites

These two tribes had seen that “the land…was suitable for livestock” (Numbers 32:1) and asked to settle east of the Jordan. Their request looked practical, but it risked separating them from the rest. Similar tribal concerns resurface inJoshua 22:10-12, where an altar nearly sparks civil war. The episode reminds us that God’s people are called to shared mission, not isolated comfort (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10;1 Corinthians 12:25-26).

Shall your brothers go to war

The rest of Israel still faced fortified cities west of the Jordan (Numbers 33:50-53;Deuteronomy 7:1-2). Moses highlights the injustice of some tribes fighting while others relax. Scripture consistently presents warfare for promised inheritance as a collective charge (Deuteronomy 20:1-4;Joshua 6:2-5). The body must advance together; no member is exempt from the struggle (Ephesians 6:10-12).

while you sit here?

“Sit” underscores inactive complacency. Moses fears this attitude will discourage the nation, just as the ten spies’ report once did (Numbers 13:31-33; 14:1-4). He later warns that failure to help would be “sin against the Lord” (Numbers 32:23). The same principle surfaces when Joshua commands these tribes to cross over armed with their brothers (Joshua 1:12-15) and when Paul urges believers to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). God’s people must reject spectator faith.

summary

Numbers 32:6 confronts a mindset of self-focused comfort. Moses, acting under divine authority, challenges Gad and Reuben to join the fight so Israel can inherit together. The verse teaches that God expects every believer to engage fully in the mission, standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow saints until the promise is realized.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 6. -Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here. Moses had good cause to feel great anxiety about the entry into Canaan proper. Once already the faith and courage of the people had failed them on the very threshold of the promised land, and a slight discouragement might bring about a similar calamity. Hence he spoke with a degree of sharpness which does not appear to have been deserved.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But Moses
מֹשֶׁ֔ה(mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

asked
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say

the Gadites
לִבְנֵי־(liḇ·nê-)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A son

and Reubenites,
וְלִבְנֵ֣י(wə·liḇ·nê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A son

“Shall your brothers
הַאַֽחֵיכֶ֗ם(ha·’a·ḥê·ḵem)
Article | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 251:A brother, )

go
יָבֹ֙אוּ֙(yā·ḇō·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, go

to war
לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה(lam·mil·ḥā·māh)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421:A battle, war

while you
וְאַתֶּ֖ם(wə·’at·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and you

sit
תֵּ֥שְׁבוּ(tê·šə·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

here?
פֹֽה׃(p̄ōh)
Adverb
Strong's 6311:This place, here

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OT Law: Numbers 32:6 Moses said to the children of Gad (Nu Num.)